MOBILE, Ala. - Coast Guard Sector Mobile's Hurricane Sally response operations transitioned to a maritime environmental response Sept. 29 focusing on pollution cleanup and salvage operations. Hurricane Sally caused widespread damage to commercial and recreational vessels, and public and private infrastructure across south Alabama and NW Florida. As a result, the CG has responded to hundreds of pollution reports and began oversight of salvage operations. “We have identified more than one hundred vessels actively releasing pollution into the marine environment," said Cmdr. Kelly Thorkilson, Coast Guard Hurricane Sally incident commander. Vessel owners are encouraged to hire a salvage company to recover vessels to provide safe removal methods. Lost or abandoned vessels should be reported to local law enforcement to complete a “Found Property Claim.” Florida Fish & Wildlife at 1-888-404-3922. Alabama's Marine Patrol Division 1-334-517-2950. For questions regarding displaced, damaged or polluting vessels call the CG at 251-441-6240 or 251- 441-6340. Additional areas of environmental pollution impact include a half-mile area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore on Johnson Beach at Perdido Key, Fla. The CG has assessed and collected samples of oil and are awaiting test results. The CG is working with the National Park Service and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration to address cleanup operations and procedures to reduce environmental impact. To report pollution, please contact the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. (Source: Coast Guard 09/29/20)
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